Acts 16:6-7 “Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia, After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not.”
The next few verses in this chapter are more often quoted. In them, a man comes to Paul by night and asks them to come to Macedonia and help. Paul gathers most certainly that God has called him to preach in that city. But he was told not to minister in Asia and Bithynia here.
We don’t know why the Holy Spirit prevented preaching in those areas, but we can be certain God did not lead Paul astray. Desire to preach the gospel is a wonderful thing. We must be willing to go anywhere the Lord leads, but not be so enthusiastic that we go “just anywhere.”
Preach the word at all times, but remember to seek the Lord regarding, how, when, and where. The fact that an opportunity for preaching exists is not absolute proof that it should be seized upon. This does not mean we hesitate to open our mouths, it merely means we are deliberate and prayerful in both method and location.
Acts 16:6-7 “Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia, After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not.”